Max Allen Collins. He writes a lot. He writes screenplay novelizations for big movies, such as Private Ryan and Dick Tracy and many others. He writes a good number of stand alone books. He has written comic book, including Batman and his own creation with Terry Beatty, Ms. Tree. He has written numerous series, including those featuring Mallory (mystery writer), Quarry (Viet Nam vet-hired killer), Frank Nolan (aging thief). He has also done his own movies. Mommy's Day is one of them. He was the guest of honor for the 1999 Bouchercon.

Max is a man who loves what he does. In talking to him or just hearing him talk, you can see it. It's in his eyes. This is a man who loves his job, and loves his life. He has a twinkle that makes you realize that there is still a kid inside.

My favorite thing that Max Allen Collins does is write a series of books staring Nate Heller. An ex-cop turned Private Eye based in Chicago. The case take place back in time (1930s & 40s). The stories are based on actual events, and Max draws his own conclusions using Nate to present the findings. They are very heavily researched and he includes where he got his information in each book. ( which has led me to many other books to read). Stolen Away is about the Lindburgh kidnapping. Excellent book. And I like his theory of what happened. Flying Blind is about Amelia Earhardt's disappearance. Again, great book, wonderful conclusions. Nate also hangs out with Elliot Ness. Max has also written some books with just Elliot.

Max's graphic novel, The Road To Perdition, is being made into a movie. And gangster on the run with his son, after his wife and other son are killed. The movie is to star Tom Hanks, and be directed by Sam Mendes. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor an pick some of these books up. You won't be disappointed.

Elliot Ness- The Dark City 1987
Butcher's Dozen 1988
Bullet Proof 1989
Murder By The Numbers 1993
Nate Heller - True Detective 1983 (shamus winner)
True Crime 1984
The Million Dollar Wound 1986
Neon Mirage 1988
Stolen Away 1991 (Shamus Winner)
Dying In A Postwar World (short stories)
Carnel Hours 1994
Blood and Thunder 1995
Damned in Paradise 1996
Flying Blind 1998
Majic Man 1999
Angel In Black 2001

Max also tours frequently, so if you get a chance go meet him. He's a great guy.

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Spring cleaning time. Spent the whole weekend doing the carpets and painting. This should make me feel less guilty spending all of next weekend reading. And weather permitting, reading outside.

Hope every one had a great weekend.

4-15-01

Jon Jordan